Malware on your device
Malware ‘infects’ computer systems, including mobile devices such as phones and tablets, through human intervention via email, apps or websites. Once your device is infected, the malware can cause damage.
Following the Australian Communication and Media Authority guidelines, we provide malware notifications for our customers.
If you have malware on your mobile device with a Vodafone SIM, or a laptop that you’ve tethered to a Vodafone device, we’ll send you an SMS to let you know that you’ve been infected and explain what to do next.
SMS notifications will be sent between 11am and 5pm AEST/AEDT.
How to remove malware from your device.
Back up your device
Back up your device’s content and data including contacts, photos and media. Check out our device guides for instructions.
Complete a factory reset
Complete a factory reset of your device. Check out our device guides for instructions.
Back up your device
Back up your device’s content and data including contacts, photos and media.
Perform a system backup
Computers and laptops require a system backup.
Run your anti-virus software
Anti-virus software should be run on computers and laptops.
How will I know if I have malware?
If you haven’t received an SMS from us, here are some signs you have malware on your device:
- Unusual data usage - your device may use up data, in small or large amounts, even when no apps are running.
- Unusual calls/SMS/PXT on your bill – check your bill for calls or text messages to unknown numbers. These can incur repeated charges so make sure you contact us if you find that your device is making calls or sending text messages that you haven’t.
- Email outbox - check your sent emails folder for emails you didn’t write or send.
- Unusual behaviour - your phone or tablet may display unusual behaviour such as closing or opening apps and deleting data without your input.
- Social networking – some malware may publish posts you didn't write or messages you didn't send.
Run a virus scan using your anti-virus software.
Common types of malware.
Adware works with existing software to display advertising, like a tool bar in your computer internet browser. These tool bars usually provide features like internet searches or links to specific websites, and display ads constantly.
Adware is usually harmless and requires you to install it, but it’s important to be aware that they may sometimes act as spyware. Many free apps display advertisements. This is not adware and won’t affect you if you don’t click them.
Keyloggers monitor and record input from your keyboard. Advanced keylogger infections can record mouse clicks, take screen shots, and record audio/video with your webcam. These records are then stored on your device so that they can be retrieved later, or forwarded to someone else online.
Spyware 'spies' on your device by collecting things like internet browser history, downloads records, password and personal data. It then forwards the data to someone else online. Spyware can spread through email attachments or be part of another program's installation file. This process can happen without you knowing.
A Trojan horse creates a 'back door' in a computer or device's security, allowing others easy access to your personal data. Unlike other Malware, Trojans need your help to spread. A common way they spread is through email attachments and file sharing sites. If you don’t open the attachment or install the program, they can’t get in. Trojans can also do more complex tasks, similar to viruses, like deleting files or spreading other viruses once they're in your system.
A virus is malware that spreads by copying itself into other software. It can spread through networked computers, over the internet and on USB flash drives. Their effects range from freezing your device and closing applications, to overwriting and deleting your personal data. Viruses usually come in the form of an executable file (or ‘.exe’) and stay in hiding on your device until you unknowingly open or run it.
Worms are similar to viruses. They can take control of computer systems, rewrite or delete data and copy themselves into other programs. They don’t need your help to spread and can copy themselves into communication software like your email software or instant messenger to travel through networks and the internet to other devices.
Additional information
- The info in this article is intended to be used as a guide and raise awareness about malware.
- You should always keep your anti-virus software up to date and regularly scan for malware.
- Devices tethered to Vodafone devices can get infected with malware and trigger a malware notification SMS alert. For example, laptops accessing the internet through a Vodafone Pocket WiFi, or a tablet accessing thing internet by tethering to a Vodafone mobile phone.